AR SB103

Appropriates $257,213 to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy for fiscal year 2012-2013, payable from cash funds, for personal services and operating expenses.

Establishes maximum of 2 regular employees: one Physical Therapy Board Executive Director (Grade C120) and one Administrative Specialist III (Grade C112), plus authorization for up to 1 part-time or temporary employee.

Allocates $25,000 of the $41,000 professional fees appropriation for contracting an independent or private investigator for investigative tasks, with the restriction that board members cannot act as investigators.

Requires the board to request legal services from the Arkansas Attorney General's Office first; the board may only employ private legal counsel if the Attorney General certifies insufficient personnel availability and consents in writing.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2012, finding that the one-year appropriation limit in the Arkansas Constitution makes immediate effectiveness essential for agency operations.